Start before sunrise in Lima and move from sea-spray wildlife on the Ballestas Islands to the rolling sand ramps of Huacachina, finishing with a 30-minute overflight above the Nazca Lines. This two-day private loop pairs wildlife and desert thrills with an aerial perspective on ancient geoglyphs.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Daybreak on the Pan-American feels purposeful: the van pulls out of Lima while the coast still holds night’s cool. Within hours the sea opens up and the Ballestas Islands throw spray against the hull, sea lions barking like a chorus daring you to approach. Later, dunes rise like warm waves at Huacachina, their ridgelines daring every dune buggy driver to take the crest.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
General good mobility recommended—short walks, boarding small boats, climbing dune crests, and transferring between sites; not strenuous but involves active periods.
Wildlife
History
The Nazca Lines were created by the Nazca culture roughly 1,500–2,000 years ago; the desert’s stable surface preserved lines of animals, plants and geometric shapes only fully legible from the air.
Conservation
The arid coastal desert is fragile—stay on designated paths, avoid touching geoglyph surfaces, and choose operators committed to minimizing erosion and managing waste.
Reserve your spot on the Nazca Lines Royal Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prepare for motion on the flight
Bring motion-sickness medication and choose a window seat if prone to airsickness; the small aircraft are nimble and the ride can be bumpy.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
Desert sun reflects off sand and stone—use SPF 30+, a wide-brim hat, and UV sunglasses for boat and dune activities.
Wear closed-toe shoes for dunes
Dune buggy and sandboarding require secure footwear; sandals make exits and climbs awkward and hot.
Carry local currency and ID
Small purchases, winery tastings, and boarding paperwork are easier with soles (PEN) and your passport on hand.
High-SPF sunscreen
Protects against intense reflected sunlight on sand and water.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Needed for dune buggy exits, sandboarding approaches and light walks.
Motion-sickness remedies or wristbands
Helpful for small-aircraft flights and choppy boat rides to Ballestas.
Polarized sunglasses and a hat
Reduces glare while viewing the sea and desert surfaces and improves photo clarity.